Dana-farber Cancer Institute

This study tests a new way to treat children and teens with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer. Researchers are using updated risk factors to decide how strong chemotherapy should be and adjusting doses of a key drug based on blood levels. The go…

This phase 2 study tests whether adding the drug eribulin to standard chemotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes for people with HER2-negative inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive type. The 22 participants receive eribulin first, followed by doxorubicin and cyc…

This study tests whether giving two targeted drugs, T-DM1 and pertuzumab, before surgery can eliminate or shrink HER2-positive breast tumors in people with stage II or III cancer. The 164 participants receive the drugs for 18 weeks, then undergo surgery. The main goal is to see h…

This phase 1/2 trial tests the drug acalabrutinib (Calquence) in 49 people with central nervous system lymphoma that has come back or not responded to treatment. Participants take the tablet by mouth twice daily. The study aims to find the safest dose and see if the drug can shri…

This early-phase trial tests a personalized vaccine called NeoVax, combined with an immune booster (CDX-301) and standard immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab or pembrolizumab), in 10 people with advanced melanoma. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and helps the immune syst…

This early-phase trial tests the safety of combining donor anti-inflammatory Treg cells with low-dose Interleukin-2 (IL-2) for people with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) that hasn't responded to steroids. cGVHD is a complication after a stem cell or bone marrow transpl…

This phase 2 trial tests whether a newer drug, margetuximab, combined with chemotherapy, works better than the standard trastuzumab combination for HER2-positive breast cancer before surgery. The study includes 174 people with stage II or III disease who have a specific genetic v…

This phase 2 study tests the chemotherapy drug lenalidomide (Revlimid) in 12 adults with one of three rare histiocyte disorders: Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Erdheim-Chester disease, or histiocytic sarcoma. The goal is to see how many patients achieve disease control or remissi…

This phase 1 study tests a combination of two drugs, ibrutinib and obinutuzumab, in 54 people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that has returned or not responded to prior treatment. The main goal is to check safety and find the best dosing schedule. Researchers will also l…

This study tests a program called ESCAPE that combines counseling, nicotine replacement, digital videos, and lung screening education to help high-risk smokers quit. It involves 153 smokers aged 55-77 with a heavy smoking history. The program is compared to standard care (brief a…

This study tests the drug abemaciclib in people whose glioblastoma has returned after prior treatment. The trial has two parts: one group takes the drug before surgery to measure how much reaches the tumor, and another group takes it to see if it can delay cancer growth. The goal…

This early-phase trial tests a new approach for patients whose blood cancer (like AML or MDS) returns after a matched stem cell transplant. Researchers give specially treated donor immune cells plus the drug ipilimumab to try to control the cancer. The main goal is to find the sa…

This Phase 2 trial is testing whether a combination of two targeted drugs (trastuzumab and pertuzumab) given as a single shot under the skin, along with standard hormone therapy, can prevent cancer from returning after surgery in people with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive…

This study tests the drug osimertinib (Tagrisso) in 30 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has a specific EGFR mutation. The goal is to see how well the drug controls the cancer and to understand why it might stop working by comparing tumor samples before and aft…

This early-phase study tests a new three-drug combination (ribociclib, everolimus, and dexamethasone) in children and young adults up to age 30 whose acute lymphoblastic leukemia has returned or not responded to standard treatments. The main goals are to find the safest dose and …

This early-phase trial tests whether combining two oral targeted drugs, talazoparib and tazemetostat, is safe and can shrink or slow the growth of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). About 35 adults with advanced prostate cancer that has spread and is no long…

This study tests a combination of three drugs (acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) as an initial treatment for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not had prior therapy. The goal is to see if this combo can make the cancer undetectable in the bone mar…

This study tests two immune-boosting drugs, ipilimumab and nivolumab, in people with classic Hodgkin lymphoma that has returned or not responded to prior therapy. The goal is to see if giving these drugs alone or together can shrink tumors. The trial involves 13 adults with measu…

This study looks at whether people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have had their cancer controlled for at least three years can safely stop their anti-HER2 therapy. About 82 participants will either stop or continue treatment to see if the cancer stays away for a…

This early-phase study tests whether the drug talazoparib can help people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who have a specific genetic mutation (cohesin) and cannot receive standard intensive chemotherapy. The main goal is to see if the drug red…

This study tests an investigational drug called AZD1775 in women whose uterine cancer has come back or persists. The drug works by blocking a protein that helps cancer cells repair themselves, potentially slowing tumor growth. About 49 participants with two aggressive types of ut…

This study tested a combination of three drugs—nivolumab, bevacizumab, and rucaparib—in 72 people whose ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer had returned after standard treatment. The goal was to see if the drugs could shrink tumors or slow the cancer's growth. While som…

This phase 2 study tests whether combining two targeted drugs, osimertinib and selumetinib, can shrink tumors in people with advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer who have not yet received EGFR inhibitors. The trial enrolls 25 participants and measures how well the tumo…

This early-phase trial tests a personalized vaccine (NeoVax) made from each patient's unique tumor mutations, combined with radiation and the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda), in people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The main goals are to see if the vaccine can be …

This early-phase study tests a combination of two targeted drugs, palbociclib and gedatolisib, in people with advanced lung, pancreatic, head & neck, or other solid tumors that have stopped responding to standard treatments. The main goal is to find the safest dose and look for e…

This early-phase trial is testing whether adding the targeted drug venetoclax to standard chemotherapy can safely treat adults newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). About 50 participants will receive the combination to find the best dose and see how many achieve remi…

This early-stage trial tests the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in 60 adults with recurrent glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer. The study aims to see how the drug affects immune cells in the tumor and whether it is safe. Participants receive pembrolizumab befo…

This phase 2 trial tests a radioactive drug called 177Lu-PSMA-617 (Pluvicto) in 24 people with advanced clear cell kidney cancer that shows a specific marker (PSMA). The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors and control the disease. Participants receive the drug through an…

This study tests whether combining two targeted drugs, osimertinib and gefitinib, is safe and feasible for people with advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer who have not taken similar drugs before. About 48 participants will receive the combination for up to 6 months. R…

This study tests whether a 16-week home-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program can slow prostate cancer in Black men who are on active surveillance (monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment). The trial involves 68 participants who will use a stationary bik…

This pilot study tests whether a 12-week exercise program can change markers in breast tissue and blood of premenopausal women with dense breasts. Dense breast tissue is linked to higher breast cancer risk. The study involves 60 physically inactive women who will do strength trai…

This phase 2 trial tests three drug combinations—fulvestrant alone, fulvestrant plus palbociclib, and fulvestrant plus palbociclib plus avelumab—in 220 people with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after prior CDK inhibitor therapy. The goal is to see which c…

This study tests a new drug, IPI-145, added to standard chemotherapy (FCR) for younger adults (18-65) with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can wipe out even tiny traces of cancer (MRD-negative remission). 32 particip…

This study looks at whether a 16-week exercise program can reduce inflammation in fat tissue for women who have finished treatment for early-stage breast cancer. About 100 participants will take part. The goal is to see if movement can help lower the risk of cancer coming back by…

This study looks at whether different levels of exercise can help the hearts of young adults who had childhood cancer and were treated with a type of chemotherapy called anthracyclines. About 20 survivors aged 18-39 will take part. The goal is to see if exercise can reduce heart …

This study tested a combination of two drugs—mirvetuximab soravtansine and pembrolizumab—in 18 people with a specific type of uterine cancer (endometrial cancer) that had returned or persisted and was microsatellite stable (MSS). The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumo…

This study tests the drug pembrolizumab in people with certain aggressive lymphomas or rare histiocyte/dendritic cell cancers that have come back or not responded to treatment. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors. The study is currently suspended and enrolled 18 part…

This study tests a highly focused type of radiation called SBRT for people whose cancer has spread to the spine or other bones. The goal is to see if this treatment can control the tumors at the treated spots for at least 6 months. About 150 adults with solid tumors that have spr…

This study tests whether adding focused radiation to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) can help people with advanced head and neck cancer whose disease has worsened despite prior treatment. About 18 participants will receive different radiation doses alongside the i…

This early-phase study tests a personalized cancer vaccine designed to target each patient's unique tumor mutations. It is given along with pembrolizumab after standard rituximab treatment for follicular lymphoma. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and can boost the …

This study tests a combination of three drugs (bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone) in people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The goal is to find the safest dose and see how well the drugs work together to control the disease. The trial incl…

This study tests a new drug, ibrutinib, added to standard chemotherapy (FCR) for younger patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The goal is to see if this combination can clear all signs of leukemia from the bone marrow (called MRD-negative complete response)…

This early-stage study tests whether adding the chemotherapy drug carboplatin to the targeted radiation therapy 177Lu-PSMA-617 is safe and effective for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. About 37 participa…

This study tests two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, in 40 adults with recurrent or progressive meningioma (a type of brain tumor). The goal is to see if these drugs can stop the tumor from growing for at least six months. Participants receive either nivolumab alon…

This study tests a combination of two targeted drugs, ibrutinib and venetoclax, in 45 adults with a rare blood cancer called Waldenström macroglobulinemia who have a specific gene mutation (MYD88). The goal is to see if the combo can shrink the cancer significantly. Participants …

This early-phase study tests a personalized vaccine (NeoVax) made from a patient's own tumor mutations, given alongside two immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab and ipilimumab) for advanced melanoma that cannot be surgically removed. The main goal is to check safety and find the right …

This study tests an experimental drug called KPT-330 in children and teens (ages 1-21) with leukemia that has returned or not responded to standard treatments. The drug aims to stop leukemia cells from growing and help destroy them. The main goal is to find the safest dose and un…

This study tested a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, in 30 people with a rare, advanced form of HER2-negative breast cancer that has many genetic mutations (hypermutated). The goal was to see if this drug pair could shrink or control the cancer. P…

This study tests whether combining two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, can shrink or control rare INI1-negative cancers in children and young adults (up to age 40) whose cancer has returned or not responded to prior treatments. About 45 participants will receive th…

This study tests whether combining two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, can shrink tumors in people with rare cancers of the urinary or reproductive systems. About 100 adults with advanced disease that cannot be removed by surgery are taking part. The main goal is t…

This study tests two drugs, pirtobrutinib and venetoclax, in 46 people with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia who have already had at least one prior treatment. The goal is to see if the combination can shrink the cancer more effectively than current options. Participants take both p…

This study looks at whether removing a small, low-grade breast change called DCIS with surgery alone is enough. About 158 people with grade 1 or 2 DCIS are being followed to see if the condition comes back. The goal is to find out if some patients can avoid additional treatments …

This study tests whether two drugs, olaparib and ceralasertib, can help control osteosarcoma that has come back or not responded to treatment. It includes 63 people aged 12 to 40. The goal is to see if the combination can stop the cancer from growing or delay its return.

This early-stage study tests a genetically engineered virus (rQNestin34.5v.2) that is injected directly into recurrent brain tumors to see if it is safe and what dose works best. About 62 adults with certain types of brain cancer that have come back or worsened are taking part. T…

This study tests a drug called daratumumab in 42 adults with high-risk MGUS or low-risk smoldering multiple myeloma, conditions that can lead to blood cancer. The goal is to see if the drug can deeply reduce abnormal cells and prevent progression. Participants receive treatment f…

This early-phase study tests a new immune therapy for people with advanced kidney or bladder cancer. Researchers take a person's own natural killer cells, train them in the lab to better recognize cancer, and give them back along with a protein that boosts immune activity. The ma…

This study tests the drug clofarabine in 25 people with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) or related disorders that have returned or not improved with standard therapy. The goal is to see if clofarabine can shrink or eliminate disease. Participants receive the drug and are moni…

This study tests two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, given before surgery to people with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if these drugs can shrink tumors and are safe to use. About 30 adults with tumors larger than 2 cm or lymph node involve…

This study tests whether adding the drug venetoclax to standard chemotherapy can help treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It includes older adults (60+) with newly diagnosed ALL and adults (18+) whose leukemia has come back or not responded to treatment. The goal is to find…

This study tested a targeted therapy called regorafenib in 8 adults with advanced medullary thyroid cancer that had spread. The goal was to see if the drug could slow or stop cancer growth when other treatments had stopped working. Regorafenib attacks specific cancer cells while …

This study tests a new form of chemotherapy called calaspargase pegol (SC-PEG) given every 3 weeks, compared to the standard Oncaspar given every 2 weeks, in 240 children and teens with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma. The goal is to see if the new drug has similar side …

This study tests a combination of two drugs, copanlisib and venetoclax, in about 48 adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that has come back or not responded to prior treatment. The goal is to find the safest dose and see how well the drugs shrink tumors. Participants must ha…

This study tests two drugs, niraparib and dostarlimab, given before surgery to people with BRCA- or PALB2-mutated breast cancer. The goal is to see if this combination boosts the immune system's attack on the tumor and leads to a complete response (no cancer left at surgery). Abo…

This study tests a new approach for people with HER2-positive breast cancer. If the tumor disappears completely after a short course of chemotherapy and targeted drugs before surgery, patients may only need two antibody drugs after surgery instead of more chemotherapy. The goal i…

This early-phase study tests a combination of two drugs, olaparib and sapacitabine, in people with breast cancer that has spread and who have a BRCA gene mutation. The main goals are to find the safest dose and see if the combination shrinks tumors. About 10 participants are enro…

This early-phase study tests a new drug, ACY-1215, combined with either ibrutinib or idelalisib in people whose chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has returned after prior treatment. The main goal is to find the safest dose and see if the combination helps control the disease. On…

This study tests whether adding the drug ruxolitinib to standard chemotherapy can help treat triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. About 23 adults with this diagnosis will receive the combination before surgery. The goal is to se…

This early-phase study tests whether combining two drugs, venetoclax and inotuzumab ozogamicin, is safe and effective for people with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), a fast-growing blood cancer. About 23 adults whose cancer has returned or not responded to treatment …

This study tests whether adding the immunotherapy drug nivolumab to standard chemotherapy (carboplatin) helps people with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer live longer without their disease getting worse. About 78 participants with advanced cancer that has spread will rece…

This study tests a CAR-T cell therapy called cilta-cel in 20 people with high-risk smoldering myeloma, an early form of multiple myeloma. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to attack cancer cells, along with chemotherapy. The goal is to see if it is safe an…

This study tests whether a daily low-dose injection of IL-2 can help control chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in 35 adults who have not responded to steroids after a stem cell transplant. cGVHD occurs when donor immune cells attack the patient's body. The treatment aims …

This study tests a new drug, duvelisib, combined with an approved drug, venetoclax, for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or Richter's syndrome that has come back or not responded to prior treatment. The goal is to see if the combination can shrink or control the can…

This study looks at whether a blood test can quickly and accurately find certain gene changes (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF) in people with advanced lung cancer or melanoma. Currently, these changes are found by testing tumor tissue, which can be slow and hard to get. The blood test may also…

This study is testing a blood test that looks for HPV DNA in the blood of people treated for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The goal is to see if the test can find cancer recurrence earlier than standard follow-up methods. About 150 participants are being followed after treat…

This study tests whether metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, can prevent multiple myeloma in people with two precursor conditions: MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma. Sixty participants will receive either metformin or a placebo for up to three years. The goal is to s…

This study tests whether yoga can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in cancer survivors. About 227 participants will either take yoga classes twice a week for 8 weeks, attend educational sessions, or receive standard care. Researchers will measure pain, balance, fall risk,…

This study tests a web-based portal (YES) to help young women aged 18-39 with breast cancer manage common symptoms like vaginal dryness and find peer support. About 400 participants will use the portal to track symptoms and access resources. The goal is to improve quality of life…

This study tests if acupuncture can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in cancer survivors. About 255 people who finished chemo at least three months ago will receive either real or sham acupuncture. The goal is to see if this drug-free approach can ease pain and improve da…

This study looks at whether a 16-week home exercise program can help Black and Hispanic patients with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer become more active during chemotherapy. Participants will do aerobic and resistance exercises either with virtual supervision or on their o…

This study tests whether slowly increasing the dose of the drug abemaciclib over time causes fewer side effects than the standard fixed dose. It includes 90 adults with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who are also receiving hormone therapy. The…

This study is testing a chatbot and online portal called AYA-RISE to help adolescents and young adults (ages 12-24) who have genetic conditions that raise their cancer risk. The goal is to see if the tool helps them communicate with family and doctors and make informed decisions …

This study enrolls children and young adults (up to age 30) with solid tumors that have come back or not responded to standard treatment. Researchers use genetic testing of the tumor to look for specific changes that might point to a targeted therapy. The goal is to see if patien…

This study follows 253 adults aged 70 and older with early-stage breast cancer to learn how treatments are chosen and how well patients stick with hormone therapy. Researchers will survey participants about barriers to treatment and adherence. The goal is to find ways to improve …

This study looks at whether different ways of teaching families about genetics can increase the number of people who get tested for inherited mutations linked to pancreatic cancer. Up to 1,000 adult family members of pancreatic cancer patients will be enrolled. Participants may p…

This study tests whether an AI tool can accurately summarize serious illness conversations between doctors and patients with advanced cancer. The AI-generated summaries are emailed to clinicians to help them keep track of patient goals and preferences. Researchers will check the …

This study looks at whether a blood test (liquid biopsy) can help predict how well children and young adults with Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma will do. Researchers will check for tumor DNA in the blood at diagnosis and see if it relates to cancer returning. The goal is to better…

This study looks at whether a special type of testing, called leukemia profiling, can help find personalized treatment options for children and young adults up to age 30 with recurrent, refractory, or high-risk leukemias. Researchers analyze the genetic changes in each patient's …

This study looks at whether certain women with early-stage, low-risk breast cancer can skip radiation therapy after a lumpectomy. Researchers are following 671 women who did not receive radiation to see how many have their cancer come back within five years. The goal is to find o…

This study looks at whether a genomic test called Prosigna can help doctors and patients choose the best treatment before breast cancer surgery. It involves 60 women with HR+/Her2- breast cancer. The goal is to see if the test results change the treatment plan, not to test a new …

This study looks at women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who take part in exercise or mind-body programs for 3-6 weeks before their surgery. Researchers want to see if these programs help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mood and quality of life. They also check for change…

This study looks at whether whole body MRI can detect tumors early in children and adults with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a genetic condition that greatly increases cancer risk. About 150 participants will get annual scans for four years. The goal is to see if people return each year …

This study looks at whether a heart screening program is practical for people who survived Hodgkin's disease after chest radiation. It involves 210 survivors, at least 5 years past treatment, to find heart risks and problems early. The goal is to improve long-term health by catch…

This study looks at whether certain inherited gene changes (EGFR mutations) increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in people who never smoked. Researchers collect saliva from cancer patients with a specific tumor mutation (T790M) to find these inherited changes. They also o…

This study looks at how patients feel physically and emotionally after having a breast biopsy for certain non-cancerous but atypical breast conditions. Over 900 participants from several hospitals answered surveys about pain and quality of life, on average nearly four years after…

This study collects bone marrow and blood samples, along with medical history, from people with multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and related disorders. The samples are stored in a tissue bank for future research to understand what causes these cancers, how they pr…

This study tests a special camera that helps surgeons see the first lymph node draining from a lung tumor during surgery. The goal is to remove that node for testing and potentially catch cancer that has spread. About 57 adults with early-stage lung cancer are taking part. The ap…

This study follows over 1,300 women aged 40 or younger who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers collect surveys, blood samples, and tumor tissue to learn about the disease, treatment side effects, and emotional challenges like fertility and menopause. The goal …